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{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2019}}
{{Infobox Greek Dimos {{Infobox Greek Dimos
|name = Xanthi |name = Xanthi
|name_local = Ξάνθη |name_local = Ξάνθη (]) <br> ''İskeçe'' (])
|type = municipality
|image_map = 2011 Dimos Xanthis.svg
|periph = ] |periph = ]
|periphunit = ] |periphunit = ]
|pop_municipality = 65133 |pop_municipality = 66875
|image_map = 2011 Dimos Xanthis.svg
|area_municipality = 495.4
|map_caption = Location within the region
|pop_municunit = 63083
|area_municipality = 495.1
|pop_municunit = 65240
|area_municunit = 153.1 |area_municunit = 153.1
|pop_community = 56151 |pop_community = 58760
|population_as_of = 2011 |population_as_of = 2021
|elevation = 43 |elevation = 82
|coordinates = {{coord|41|8|N|24|53|E|format=dms|display=inline,title}}
|lat_deg = 41
|postal_code = 67100, 67131, 67132, 67132
|lat_min = 8
|lon_deg = 24
|lon_min = 53
|postal_code = 671 00
|area_code = 2541 |area_code = 2541
|licence = AH |licence = AH
|mayor = Efstratios Kontos<ref name=mayor>, Ministry of Interior</ref>
|mayor = Michalis Stelianidis
|website =
|image_skyline = 20091128 Xanthi Greece 1.jpg
|caption_skyline = Xanthi from ] river.
|city_flag =
|city_seal =
|districts =
|party = |party =
|since = |since = 2023
|website =
|elevation_min =
|elevation_max = |image_skyline = {{multiple image
|perrow = 1/2/2/2
|border = infobox
|total_width = 300
|image1 = Xanthi pagebanner.jpg
|image2 = ΞΑΝΘΗ ΠΑΛΙΑ ΠΟΛΗ.jpg
|image3 = Xanthi Kathedral Church.jpg
|image4 = Λαογραφικό Μουσείο Ξάνθης!!.jpg
|image5 = Xanthi's clock.jpg
|image6 = Κεντρική πλατεία Ξάνθης.jpg
|image7 = ΞΑΝΘΗ ΠΑΛΙΑ ΠΟΛΗ ΠΛΑΤΕΙΑ ΜΗΤΡΟΠΟΛΕΩΣ.jpg
}} }}
|caption_skyline = From top left: aerial view of the city, Xanthi old town, Cathedral of St. Sophia The Wisdom of God, folk and history museum, Xanthi clocktower, Central square, a church in the old town.
|city_flag =
|city_seal =
|districts =
|georegion = ]
}}
'''Xanthi'''{{efn|{{langx|el|Ξάνθη}}, ''Xánthi'', {{IPA-el|ˈksanθi|}}, {{langx|tr|İskeçe}}, {{langx|bg|Скеча|Skeča}} or {{lang|bg|Ксанти}}, ''Ksanti''}} is a city in the region of ], northeastern ]. It is the capital of the ] of the ] of ].

Amphitheatrically built on the foot of ] mountain chain, the city is divided by the Kosynthos River, into the west part, where the old and the modern town are located, and the east part that boasts a rich natural environment. The "Old Town of Xanthi" is known throughout Greece for its distinctive architecture, combining many ] churches with ] mansions of Greek merchants from the 18th and 19th centuries and Ottoman-Era mosques.<ref name="visitgreece.gr">{{cite web|url=http://www.visitgreece.gr/el/main_cities/xanthi|title=Visit Greece &#124; Ξάνθη|publisher=visitgreece.gr|access-date=29 March 2016}}</ref> Other landmarks in Xanthi include the Archaeological Museum of ] and the Greek Folk Art Museum.


Xanthi is famous throughout Greece (especially ] and ]) for its annual spring ]<ref name="visitgreece.gr"/> (]: καρναβάλι) which has a significant role in the city's economy. Over 40 cultural associations from around Greece participate in the carnival program. The festivities which take place during the period include concerts, theatre plays, music and dance nights, exhibitions, a cycling event, games on the streets, and re-enactments of old customs.<ref name="visitgreece.gr"/>
'''Xanthi''' ({{lang-el|Ξάνθη}}, ''Xánthi'', {{IPA-el|ˈksanθi|}}, {{lang-tr|İskeçe}}); is a city in ], northeastern ]. It is the capital of the ] of the ] of ].


==Name== ==Name==
There are two theories regarding the origin of its name: it was either named after a daughter of ] and ], or after Xanthi, one of the ] that ruled the region, according to legend.
Xanthi is known as "İskeçe" in Turkish and "Царево" (Tsarevo) in Bulgarian.

Xanthi is known as ''İskeçe'' in ]<ref>Heath W. Lowry, The Shaping of the Ottoman Balkans, 1350-1550: The Conquest, Settlement & Infrastructural Development of Northern Greece, Bahçeşehir University Publications, 2008, ISBN 9756437782, р. 213.</ref> and Скеча (''Skecha'') or Ксанти (''Ksanti'') in ].<ref>
Радослав Попов, Балканската политика на България 1894-1898, Българска академия на науките, стр 164.</ref>


==History== ==History==
Known references to Xanthi (Ξάνθη), or Xanthia (Ξάνθεια), date back to 879 AD.<ref>http://www.xanthi.ilsp.gr/thraki/history/his.asp?perioxhid=B0257 : the bishop of Xantheia is reported as taking part in the ]</ref> It began as a small village and experienced all the tumultuous periods of the history of ], such as raids, disasters, ethnic conflicts, civil wars. The population of the region of Xanthi had dwindled down to almost nothing and almost everything had been destroyed when the Ottomans conquered the region in 1361. For this reason, the ] brought settlers from the depths of ], which is how ] (Γενισέα) was created, while ] (Ωραίο) and Xanthi remained mainly Greek and Christian centres.<ref>. ''euro travelling.net''. Retrieved 5 April 2012.</ref> Xanthi is sometimes identified with the ancient city of ''Xantheia'' mentioned in the 1st century BC by the geographer ],<ref name="samsaris" /> but it was not mentioned by any other ancient historian.<ref name="samsaris">{{cite book|first=D. C. |last=Samsaris |script-title=el:Ιστορική γεωγραφία της Δυτικής Θράκης κατά τη ρωμαϊκή αρχαιότητα |trans-title=Historical Geography of Western Thrace during the Roman Antiquity |language=el |location=Thessaloniki |date=2005 |pages=86–88}}</ref> It began as a small village and experienced all the tumultuous periods of the history of ], such as raids, disasters, ethnic conflicts, civil wars. The population of the region of Xanthi had dwindled down to almost nothing, as the region was depopulated in the 3rd century AD<ref name="samsaris" /> and almost everything had been destroyed when the Ottomans conquered the region in 1361. For this reason, the ] brought Turkish settlers from within of ], which is how ] (Γενισέα) was created, while ] (Ωραίο) and Xanthi remained mainly ] and Christian centres.<ref> {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070827135300/http://www.eurotravelling.net/greece/xanthi/xanthi_history.htm |date=27 August 2007 }}. ''euro travelling.net''. Retrieved 5 April 2012.</ref>

===Middle Ages===
Known references to Xanthi ({{lang|el|Ξάνθη}}), or Xanthia ({{lang|grc|Ξάνθεια}}), the city's origins are obscure; it was a prosperous stronghold of the ] era but latter became a colony of the Ottomans known as ''Eskije''.<ref>, at Encyclopaedia Britannica.</ref> Xanthi is first recorded in 879 (Bishop Georgios of Xantheia is reported as taking part in the ]<ref name="About Xanthi">.</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.xanthi.ilsp.gr/thraki/history/his.asp?perioxhid=B0257|title = Θρακικός Ηλεκτρονικός Θησαυρός - Ιστορία}}</ref>).
From the 13th to the 14th century it was the most important city of the region. Three monasteries date from the ]: Pammegiston, Taxiarchon, and Panagia Archangeliotisa,<ref name="About Xanthi"/> although written records indicate several others now lost.<ref name="History of Xanthi"> {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151223190803/http://www.visitgreece.gr/en/history/history_of_xanthi |date=23 December 2015 }}.</ref>
Xanthi featured in the campaign of ] in 1327.

===Early modern===
]


By 1715, Xanthi, as well as ], became renowned for its ] quality. Many foreign sightseers traveled throughout the region and described both the life and struggles of the locals. The ] throughout Europe led Xanthi into a course of prosperity. ] was active in the Xanthi area during the ] of 1821. In March and April 1829 two ]s leveled the city, however, they played a decisive role in the further developments as the city's rebuilding immediately got underway.<ref name="History of Xanthi"/> In 1870, the city of ] was burned down and thus all of the agencies and services were transferred to Xanthi which, at that time, had a population of about 10,000 inhabitants. In 1891, a rail line was established near the city, while further economic development led to the founding of schools and associations.<ref>Νίκος Λιανός, αρχιτέκτων, Επ. Καθηγητής ΤΑΜ-∆ΠΘ. . Ιστοσελίδα Δημοκρίτειου Πανεπιστήμιου Θράκης, σσ. 1. Ανακτήθηκε στις 18 July 2011.</ref> During the late period of Ottoman rule until 1912, the city was administratively located in the ] within the ].
===Genisea Era===
By 1715, Xanthi, as well as ], became renowned for its ] quality. Many foreign sightseers traveled throughout the region and described both the life and struggles of the locals. Tobacco commerce throughout ] led Xanthi into a course of prosperity. In March and April 1829 two ]s literally leveled the city, however played a decisive role in the further developments. The city's re-building immediately got underway. In 1870, the city of ] was burned down and thus all of the agencies and services were transferred to Xanthi which, at that time, had a population of about 10,000 inhabitants. In 1891, the railroad line was established near the city, while further economic development led to the founding of schools and associations.


===Balkan Wars=== ===Balkan Wars===
Following the ], ] took the city of Xanthi in 1912, but after a period of eight months it was taken by the ] army. Shortly thereafter, as part of the accords concluding the ], Xanthi and ] were ceded to ] (where it was also called Скеча ''Skecha''), and remained a part of the latter until the end of ]. In 1913 the Greek army expelled all Bulgarians in the city and confiscated all their land and belongings. Following the Bulgarian defeat in this war, Western ] (Δυτική Θράκη), and thus Xanthi, became a part of ] in 1919–1920. In the period 1941–1944 during ] it was shortly occupied by ] after which was returned to Greece. During the ], Xanthi was captured by the ] from the Ottomans in 8 November 1912. In the ] the ] captured it in July 1913.<ref name="History of Xanthi"/> However, with the ], Xanthi along with ] were ceded to Bulgaria (where it was also called {{lang|bg|Скеча}} ''Skecha''), and remained a part of the latter until the end of ]. Following the Bulgarian defeat in this war, Western Thrace came under ] administration and on 4 October 1919 the Greek army under ] command entered the city. That date is today celebrated in Xanthi as the anniversary of its liberation. Second lieutenant ], who was from Xanthi, led the first Greek troops in the city. Ladas became the mayor of Xanthi from 1959 to 1964.


(some of the info above require some form of supportive evidence and links)


=== Modern Era === ===World War II===
] in Xanthi during ]]]
Nowadays Xanthi is a modern city, rich in history, traditions and customs, and with many attractions for the visitors (including the surrounding areas). It is worth visiting the city during the Carnival ({{lang-el|Καρναβάλι}}) (either February or March as dates change) and during the Old Town Festival (Γιορτές Παλιάς Πόλης) (beginning of September). Also, one should not miss the Xanthi Bazaar (Παζάρι) every Saturday. Xanthi is known as "The city of the thousand colours".
]
On 8 April 1941 the 164th Infantry Division captured Xanthi following the ] and the Germans passed the city to Bulgaria, who occupied the whole region east of ], except a small German zone near the border with Turkey. The city became the administrative center of the Bulgarian province of ] and served as headquarters for the ]. During the Bulgarian occupation, more than 2,000 men from Xanthi, both Christians and Muslims were sent for forced labor in Bulgaria.<ref>{{cite book|first=Thomas P. |last=Exarchou |title=Ξάνθη 1941–1944 |publisher=Όμηροι Βουλγαρίας |location=Xanthi |date=2002}}</ref> On 4 March 1943 the Jews of Xanthi were arrested by the Bulgarians and imprisoned in a tobacco warehouse. On 18 and 19 March, they were deported to ] in Poland. From a community of 550 people, only six Jews survived the Holocaust.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://kis.gr/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=294&Itemid=116|title = Ξάνθη}}</ref> The synagogue of Xanthi built in 1926 at the corner of Hatzistavrou and Anatolikis Thrakis streets, was used by Christian Associations and later abandoned. It was sold and demolished in 1995.<ref> Messinas, E. (2022). ''The Synagogues of Greece: A Study of Synagogues in Macedonia and Thrace: With Architectural Drawings of all Synagogues of Greece''. Seattle: KDP. pp. 133-144 and 197-199. {{ISBN| 979-8-8069-0288-8}}</ref> The city was liberated following the ] in Bulgaria when partisans of the ] entered the city and took over control without a fight. However, the Bulgarian army remained in the region until the end of October 1944 and it withdrew under pressure from the Allies.<ref>{{cite book|first=K.|last=Featherstone|display-authors=etal |title=The Last Ottomans: The Muslim Minority of Greece 1940–1949 |publisher=Springer |date=2011 |isbn=978-0230294653 |page=190}}</ref>


==Municipality== === Today ===
]
The municipality Xanthi was formed at the 2011 local government reform by the merger of the following 2 former municipalities, that became municipal units:<ref name=Kallikratis> Greece Ministry of Interior {{el icon}}</ref>
Nowadays Xanthi is a modern city, rich in history, traditions and customs, and with many attractions for the visitors (including the surrounding areas). Xanthi is known as ''the city of a thousand colours'', and like ] and ] has a large population of Turkish-speaking Muslims. The Muslim population of ] dates to the Ottoman period, and unlike the ] and ] of ] and ] was exempted from the 1922–23 ] following the ]. In 1972 the Greek authorities planned to demolish the landmark of the city, the ], built by ] Hadji Emin Aga in 1870. This decision resulted in protests by the local Muslims and the plans were cancelled.<ref>{{cite book|first=Tanya |last=Mangalyakova |title=Нашите в Гърция |location=Sofia |date=2011 |page=20}}</ref>

== Transport ==
===Road Transport===

A few kilometers outside Xanthi, the Egnatia Motorway crosses Xanthi with ], ] and the rest of ]. The Xanthi Bus Station runs daily services to several cities throughout Greece. Xanthi is 206&nbsp;km from ], 704&nbsp;km from ], 397&nbsp;km from ] and 236&nbsp;km from ]. On 15 January 2010, the Agios Konstantinos border crossing point between ] and ] was inaugurated, 51&nbsp;km from Xanthi, linking the nearby village of ] with the town of ]. A link road between the ] and the Bulgarian town of ] is to be opened on 1 January 2025 via the ].<ref>{{Cite web |title=От 1-ви януари ще минаваме и през ГКПП Рудозем - Ксанти |url=https://bnr.bg/post/102087461/ot-1-vi-anuari-shte-minavame-i-prez-gkpp-rudozem-ksanti |access-date=2024-12-12 |website=bnr.bg |language=bg}}</ref>

===Rail transport===

Outside Xanthi is the ] on the ], with daily services to ] and ].

===Air Transport===

Xanthi does not have an airport. It is mainly served by ], 42&nbsp;km away, and secondarily by ], 112&nbsp;km away.

== Municipality ==
The municipality Xanthi was formed at the 2011 local government reform by the merger of the following 2 former municipalities, that became municipal units:<ref name=Kallikratis>{{Cite web|url=http://www.et.gr/idocs-nph/search/pdfViewerForm.html?args=5C7QrtC22wGYK2xFpSwMnXdtvSoClrL8-SrPzKAEPjjtIl9LGdkF53UIxsx942CdyqxSQYNuqAGCF0IfB9HI6hq6ZkZV96FIukI0UzcPsWCK0LpLhpa7rhiWB4R5ntTnoWw7U8E1Amg.|title=ΦΕΚ A 87/2010, Kallikratis reform law text|language=el|publisher=]}}</ref>
*] *]
*Xanthi *Xanthi

The municipality has an area of 495.118&nbsp;km<sup>2</sup>, the municipal unit 153.116&nbsp;km<sup>2</sup>.<ref name=stat01>{{cite web|url=http://dlib.statistics.gr/Book/GRESYE_02_0101_00098%20.pdf|publisher=National Statistical Service of Greece|title=Population & housing census 2001 (incl. area and average elevation)|language=el}}</ref>


===Communities=== ===Communities===
The municipal unit Xanthi is subdivided into the communities Evmoiro, Kimmeria and Xanthi. These communities contain the following settlements: The municipal unit Xanthi is subdivided into the communities Evmoiro, Kimmeria and Xanthi. These communities contain the following settlements:
*] *]
**Kallithea **Kallithea
Line 66: Line 109:
**Petrochori **Petrochori
*] *]
**Gialisteri **Gialisteri
**Livadi **Livadi
**Pelekito **Pelekito
**the abandoned villages Alikochori, Anthiro, Askyra, Eranos, Ketiki, Porta, Prioni and Ydrochori **the abandoned villages Alikochori, Anthiro, Askyra, Eranos, Ketiki, Porta, Prioni and Ydrochori
*'''Xanthi''' *'''Xanthi'''

==Economy==
Traditionally, the tobacco business, commerce, and farming have been the primary occupation of the residents of the area. During the last decades, tourism has also increased, especially during the period of the "Old Town Festival".

==Population==
{| class="wikitable"
! Year<ref>{{cite web|url=http://dlib.statistics.gr/portal/page/portal/ESYE/categoryyears?p_cat%3D10007862%26p_topic%3D10007862 |title=Digital Library EL.STAT. |access-date=23 April 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130518210008/http://dlib.statistics.gr/portal/page/portal/ESYE/categoryyears?p_cat=10007862&p_topic=10007862 |archive-date=18 May 2013 }}</ref>
! Population
|-
| 1940 || 31,015
|-
| 1951 || 27,283
|-
| 1961 || 27,802
|-
| 1971 || 27,040
|-
| 1981 || 33,897
|-
| 1991 || 38,808
|-
| 2001 || 46,464
|-
| 2011 || 56,151
|-
| 2021 || 58,760
|}


== Education == == Education ==
* ] * ]
School of Engineering
*Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
*Department of Civil Engineering
*Department of Environmental Engineering
*Department of Architectural Engineering
*Department of Production Management Engineering

==Cultural events==

===Carnival and old town's festivals===
{{main|Xanthi Carnival}}
The city has a rich history, tradition, and customs and it is the cultural center in the area. It is also considered a multi-cultural city and it has been characterized as "the city of the thousand colours". ] is very popular (every February) and is one of the most popular in Greece, while the "old town festival" (early September) is equally famous. Furthermore, the bazaar of Xanthi is famous and takes place at ] every Saturday. In addition, the ]' festival attracts worldwide interest.]

===Museums===
*Folklore and Historical Museum of Xanthi
*Εcclesiastical Museum Metropolis of Xanthi
*Municipal Gallery of Xanthi
*Museum of Natural History
*Foundation of Thracian Art and Tradition
*Museum of the History of the Greek Costume
*Manos Hadjidakis House

==Sports==
]]]

*], plays in the ]
*], played in the ]
*], football (one appearance in the First League) and basketball
*], football
*Orion Xanthi, basketball


== Famous people from Xanthi ==
==Professional Sports==
*] which plays in the ]
*] which plays in the ]


* ] (1925–1994): Major Greek composer. Winner of the Academy Award for Best Original Song for his song ] from the film of the same name.
== Famous people from Xanthi==
* ]: he was from the village ] which is about 20] from Xanthi
* ]: he was from the village ]
* ]: he was from the village ]
* ] (1925–1994): worldwide famous Greek composer
* ]: Turkish film director. Winner of 1982 ] in ] * ]: Turkish film director. Winner of 1982 ] in ]
* ] (1863–1933): Bulgarian revolutionary, member of ]
* ] (1939–2008): former Archbishop of the Greek Orthodox Church * ] (1939–2008): former Archbishop of the Greek Orthodox Church
* ]: footballer for Greece * ]: football player for ] and the ]
* ], (1933–2000): Greek folk musician and composer
* ] (Mandra, Xanthi 1945-Washington, USA 2009): journalist, political analyst. * ] (Mandra, Xanthi 1945-Washington, USA 2009): journalist, political analyst.
* ], contemporary Greek ] singer.
* ], The ] General President
* ], basketball player for the ].


==International relations== ==International relations==
{{See also|List of twin towns and sister cities in Greece}} {{See also|List of twin towns and sister cities in Greece}}


Xanthi is ] with: Xanthi is ] with:
*{{flagicon|Turkey}} ], ] *{{flagicon|BUL}} ], Bulgaria
*{{flagicon|Turkey}} ], ] *{{flagicon|SRB}} ], Serbia
*{{flagicon|Germany}} ], ], ] *{{flagicon|GER}} ], Lower Saxony, Germany
*{{flagicon|TUR}} ], ] ''(since 2000)''<ref name="Greek twinnings">{{cite web|url=http://www.kedke.gr/uploads/twinnedcities.pdf|title=Twinnings|access-date=25 August 2013|work=Central Union of Municipalities & Communities of Greece}}</ref>
*{{flagicon|SRB}} ], ]
*{{flagicon|Bulgaria}} ], ] *{{flagicon|TUR}} ], Turkey
*{{flagicon|ESP}} ], Spain


==Gallery== ==Gallery==
<gallery widths=200px heights=200px> <gallery class="center">
File:XANTHI-NESTOS RIVER - panoramio (1).jpg|] river outside the city
File:20091128_Xanthi_Greece_2.jpg |The old city.
File:Metropolis in Xanthi.jpg|Greek Orthodox Metropolis
File:20091128_Xanthi_Greece_3.jpg |The old city.
File:20100220 Xanthi Kapnapothhkes Greece 3.jpg|Old tobacco warehouse. File:Kapnapothiki p NEW montarismeni.jpg|Old tobacco warehouses, today a restored museum
File:ΠΑΛΙΑ ΠΟΛΗ ΞΑΝΘΗ.jpg|Old mansions
File:Old town, Ksanthi.jpg|Old town street<ref>.</ref>
File:Xanti clock tower.jpg|]
File:National Bank of Greece building, Xanthi.jpg|] building
File:Xanthi2.jpg|Old town
File:Μνημειο Πεσωντων - panoramio.jpg|War memorial
File:20130421 Ottoman Bridge 4km Xanthi Stavroupolh Thrace Greece.jpg|Ottoman bridge Xanthi-Stavroupoli
File:Xanthi, Chapel of St.George & archangel Michael.jpg|Chapel of St. George and Archangel Michael
</gallery> </gallery>

==See also==
*]
*]
*]
*]
*]

== Notes ==
{{notelist}}


==References== ==References==
{{reflist}} {{Reflist}}

==Further reading==
* Messinas, E. (2022). ''The Synagogues of Greece: A Study of Synagogues in Macedonia and Thrace: With Architectural Drawings of all Synagogues of Greece''. Seattle: KDP, pp. 133-144 and 197-199. {{ISBN| 979-8-8069-0288-8}}.
* Μεσσίνας, Η. (2022). ''H Συναγωγή'', Αθήνα: Εκδόσεις Ινφογνώμων, pp. 19-36. {{ISBN| 978-618-5590-21-5}}
* Μεσσίνας, Η. (1999). Διδακτορική διατριβή στο Τμήμα Αρχιτεκτόνων Μηχανικών Τομέα Πολεοδομίας και Χωροταξίας του ΕΜΠ, pp. 239-254.


{{commons category|Xanthi}} {{Commons category|Xanthi}}


==External links== ==External links==
* *
* *
* *
* *
* *
*



{{Kallikratis-East Macedonia and Thrace}}
{{Eastern Macedonia and Thrace}}
{{Xanthi div}} {{Xanthi div}}
{{Authority control}}
{{Prefectural capitals of Greece}}


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Latest revision as of 16:31, 15 December 2024

Municipality in Thrace, Greece
Xanthi Ξάνθη (Greek)
İskeçe (Turkish)
Municipality
From top left: aerial view of the city, Xanthi old town, Cathedral of St. Sophia The Wisdom of God, folk and history museum, Xanthi clocktower, Central square, a church in the old town.
Xanthi is located in GreeceXanthiXanthiLocation within the region
Coordinates: 41°8′N 24°53′E / 41.133°N 24.883°E / 41.133; 24.883
CountryGreece
Geographic regionThrace
Administrative regionEastern Macedonia and Thrace
Regional unitXanthi
Government
 • MayorEfstratios Kontos (since 2023)
Area
 • Municipality495.1 km (191.2 sq mi)
 • Municipal unit153.1 km (59.1 sq mi)
Elevation82 m (269 ft)
Population
 • Municipality66,875
 • Density140/km (350/sq mi)
 • Municipal unit65,240
 • Municipal unit density430/km (1,100/sq mi)
 • Community58,760
Time zoneUTC+2 (EET)
 • Summer (DST)UTC+3 (EEST)
Postal code67100, 67131, 67132, 67132
Area code(s)2541
Vehicle registrationAH
Websitewww.cityofxanthi.gr

Xanthi is a city in the region of Western Thrace, northeastern Greece. It is the capital of the Xanthi regional unit of the region of East Macedonia and Thrace.

Amphitheatrically built on the foot of Rhodope mountain chain, the city is divided by the Kosynthos River, into the west part, where the old and the modern town are located, and the east part that boasts a rich natural environment. The "Old Town of Xanthi" is known throughout Greece for its distinctive architecture, combining many Byzantine Greek churches with neoclassical mansions of Greek merchants from the 18th and 19th centuries and Ottoman-Era mosques. Other landmarks in Xanthi include the Archaeological Museum of Abdera and the Greek Folk Art Museum.

Xanthi is famous throughout Greece (especially Macedonia and Thrace) for its annual spring carnival (Greek: καρναβάλι) which has a significant role in the city's economy. Over 40 cultural associations from around Greece participate in the carnival program. The festivities which take place during the period include concerts, theatre plays, music and dance nights, exhibitions, a cycling event, games on the streets, and re-enactments of old customs.

Name

There are two theories regarding the origin of its name: it was either named after a daughter of Oceanus and Tethys, or after Xanthi, one of the Amazons that ruled the region, according to legend.

Xanthi is known as İskeçe in Turkish and Скеча (Skecha) or Ксанти (Ksanti) in Bulgarian.

History

Xanthi is sometimes identified with the ancient city of Xantheia mentioned in the 1st century BC by the geographer Strabo, but it was not mentioned by any other ancient historian. It began as a small village and experienced all the tumultuous periods of the history of Thrace, such as raids, disasters, ethnic conflicts, civil wars. The population of the region of Xanthi had dwindled down to almost nothing, as the region was depopulated in the 3rd century AD and almost everything had been destroyed when the Ottomans conquered the region in 1361. For this reason, the Ottomans brought Turkish settlers from within of Asia Minor, which is how Genisea (Γενισέα) was created, while Oraio (Ωραίο) and Xanthi remained mainly Greek and Christian centres.

Middle Ages

Known references to Xanthi (Ξάνθη), or Xanthia (Ξάνθεια), the city's origins are obscure; it was a prosperous stronghold of the Byzantine era but latter became a colony of the Ottomans known as Eskije. Xanthi is first recorded in 879 (Bishop Georgios of Xantheia is reported as taking part in the Fourth Council of Constantinople). From the 13th to the 14th century it was the most important city of the region. Three monasteries date from the Middle Ages: Pammegiston, Taxiarchon, and Panagia Archangeliotisa, although written records indicate several others now lost. Xanthi featured in the campaign of Andronikos II Palaiologos in 1327.

Early modern

The Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist.

By 1715, Xanthi, as well as Genisea, became renowned for its tobacco quality. Many foreign sightseers traveled throughout the region and described both the life and struggles of the locals. The tobacco trade throughout Europe led Xanthi into a course of prosperity. George Demetriou was active in the Xanthi area during the Greek Revolution of 1821. In March and April 1829 two earthquakes leveled the city, however, they played a decisive role in the further developments as the city's rebuilding immediately got underway. In 1870, the city of Genisea was burned down and thus all of the agencies and services were transferred to Xanthi which, at that time, had a population of about 10,000 inhabitants. In 1891, a rail line was established near the city, while further economic development led to the founding of schools and associations. During the late period of Ottoman rule until 1912, the city was administratively located in the Sanjak of Gümülcine within the Adrianople Vilayet.

Balkan Wars

During the First Balkan War, Xanthi was captured by the Bulgarian army from the Ottomans in 8 November 1912. In the Second Balkan War the Greek army captured it in July 1913. However, with the Treaty of Bucharest, Xanthi along with Western Thrace were ceded to Bulgaria (where it was also called Скеча Skecha), and remained a part of the latter until the end of World War I. Following the Bulgarian defeat in this war, Western Thrace came under Allied administration and on 4 October 1919 the Greek army under Georgios Leonardopoulos command entered the city. That date is today celebrated in Xanthi as the anniversary of its liberation. Second lieutenant Gavriel Ladas, who was from Xanthi, led the first Greek troops in the city. Ladas became the mayor of Xanthi from 1959 to 1964.


World War II

Guerrillas of the Greek People's Liberation Army in Xanthi during World War II
The Jewish cemetery of Xanthi after its restoration by Association PAKETHRA in 2015.

On 8 April 1941 the 164th Infantry Division captured Xanthi following the German invasion of Greece and the Germans passed the city to Bulgaria, who occupied the whole region east of Strymonas, except a small German zone near the border with Turkey. The city became the administrative center of the Bulgarian province of Belomorie and served as headquarters for the Bulgarian Second Army. During the Bulgarian occupation, more than 2,000 men from Xanthi, both Christians and Muslims were sent for forced labor in Bulgaria. On 4 March 1943 the Jews of Xanthi were arrested by the Bulgarians and imprisoned in a tobacco warehouse. On 18 and 19 March, they were deported to Nazi concentration camps in Poland. From a community of 550 people, only six Jews survived the Holocaust. The synagogue of Xanthi built in 1926 at the corner of Hatzistavrou and Anatolikis Thrakis streets, was used by Christian Associations and later abandoned. It was sold and demolished in 1995. The city was liberated following the 9 September coup d'etat in Bulgaria when partisans of the Greek People's Liberation Army entered the city and took over control without a fight. However, the Bulgarian army remained in the region until the end of October 1944 and it withdrew under pressure from the Allies.

Today

The Cathedral of Saint Sophia.

Nowadays Xanthi is a modern city, rich in history, traditions and customs, and with many attractions for the visitors (including the surrounding areas). Xanthi is known as the city of a thousand colours, and like Komotini (Gümülcine) and Didymoteicho (Dimetoka) has a large population of Turkish-speaking Muslims. The Muslim population of East Macedonia and Thrace dates to the Ottoman period, and unlike the Ottoman Muslims and Greek Muslims of Greek Macedonia and Crete was exempted from the 1922–23 Greek-Turkish population exchange following the Treaty of Lausanne. In 1972 the Greek authorities planned to demolish the landmark of the city, the clock tower, built by Pomak Hadji Emin Aga in 1870. This decision resulted in protests by the local Muslims and the plans were cancelled.

Transport

Road Transport

A few kilometers outside Xanthi, the Egnatia Motorway crosses Xanthi with Macedonia, Epirus and the rest of Thrace. The Xanthi Bus Station runs daily services to several cities throughout Greece. Xanthi is 206 km from Thessaloniki, 704 km from Athens, 397 km from Istanbul and 236 km from Edirne. On 15 January 2010, the Agios Konstantinos border crossing point between Greece and Bulgaria was inaugurated, 51 km from Xanthi, linking the nearby village of Thermi with the town of Zlatograd. A link road between the A2 motorway and the Bulgarian town of Rudozem is to be opened on 1 January 2025 via the Aegean Pass.

Rail transport

Outside Xanthi is the Xanthi railway station on the Thessaloniki-Alexandroupoli line, with daily services to Thessaloniki and Alexandroupolis.

Air Transport

Xanthi does not have an airport. It is mainly served by Kavala Airport, 42 km away, and secondarily by Alexandroupolis Airport, 112 km away.

Municipality

The municipality Xanthi was formed at the 2011 local government reform by the merger of the following 2 former municipalities, that became municipal units:

The municipality has an area of 495.118 km, the municipal unit 153.116 km.

Communities

The municipal unit Xanthi is subdivided into the communities Evmoiro, Kimmeria and Xanthi. These communities contain the following settlements:

  • Evmoiro
    • Kallithea
    • Lamprino
    • Lefki
    • Nea Morsini
    • Palaia Morsini
    • Petrochori
  • Kimmeria
    • Gialisteri
    • Livadi
    • Pelekito
    • the abandoned villages Alikochori, Anthiro, Askyra, Eranos, Ketiki, Porta, Prioni and Ydrochori
  • Xanthi

Economy

Traditionally, the tobacco business, commerce, and farming have been the primary occupation of the residents of the area. During the last decades, tourism has also increased, especially during the period of the "Old Town Festival".

Population

Year Population
1940 31,015
1951 27,283
1961 27,802
1971 27,040
1981 33,897
1991 38,808
2001 46,464
2011 56,151
2021 58,760

Education

School of Engineering

  • Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
  • Department of Civil Engineering
  • Department of Environmental Engineering
  • Department of Architectural Engineering
  • Department of Production Management Engineering

Cultural events

Carnival and old town's festivals

Main article: Xanthi Carnival

The city has a rich history, tradition, and customs and it is the cultural center in the area. It is also considered a multi-cultural city and it has been characterized as "the city of the thousand colours". Xanthi's Carnival is very popular (every February) and is one of the most popular in Greece, while the "old town festival" (early September) is equally famous. Furthermore, the bazaar of Xanthi is famous and takes place at Emboriou Square every Saturday. In addition, the Manos Hatzidakis' festival attracts worldwide interest.

Folklore museum

Museums

  • Folklore and Historical Museum of Xanthi
  • Εcclesiastical Museum Metropolis of Xanthi
  • Municipal Gallery of Xanthi
  • Museum of Natural History
  • Foundation of Thracian Art and Tradition
  • Museum of the History of the Greek Costume
  • Manos Hadjidakis House

Sports

Xanthi FC Arena

Famous people from Xanthi

International relations

See also: List of twin towns and sister cities in Greece

Xanthi is twinned with:

Gallery

  • Nestos river outside the city Nestos river outside the city
  • Greek Orthodox Metropolis Greek Orthodox Metropolis
  • Old tobacco warehouses, today a restored museum Old tobacco warehouses, today a restored museum
  • Old mansions Old mansions
  • Old town street Old town street
  • Xanthi clock tower Xanthi clock tower
  • National Bank of Greece building National Bank of Greece building
  • Old town Old town
  • War memorial War memorial
  • Ottoman bridge Xanthi-Stavroupoli Ottoman bridge Xanthi-Stavroupoli
  • Chapel of St. George and Archangel Michael Chapel of St. George and Archangel Michael

See also

Notes

  1. Greek: Ξάνθη, Xánthi, [ˈksanθi], Turkish: İskeçe, Bulgarian: Скеча, romanized: Skeča or Ксанти, Ksanti

References

  1. Municipality of Xanthi, Municipal elections – October 2023, Ministry of Interior
  2. "Αποτελέσματα Απογραφής Πληθυσμού - Κατοικιών 2021, Μόνιμος Πληθυσμός κατά οικισμό" [Results of the 2021 Population - Housing Census, Permanent population by settlement] (in Greek). Hellenic Statistical Authority. 29 March 2024.
  3. ^ "Visit Greece | Ξάνθη". visitgreece.gr. Retrieved 29 March 2016.
  4. Heath W. Lowry, The Shaping of the Ottoman Balkans, 1350-1550: The Conquest, Settlement & Infrastructural Development of Northern Greece, Bahçeşehir University Publications, 2008, ISBN 9756437782, р. 213.
  5. Радослав Попов, Балканската политика на България 1894-1898, Българска академия на науките, стр 164.
  6. ^ Samsaris, D. C. (2005). Ιστορική γεωγραφία της Δυτικής Θράκης κατά τη ρωμαϊκή αρχαιότητα [Historical Geography of Western Thrace during the Roman Antiquity] (in Greek). Thessaloniki. pp. 86–88.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
  7. Xanthi – History Archived 27 August 2007 at the Wayback Machine. euro travelling.net. Retrieved 5 April 2012.
  8. Xánthi, at Encyclopaedia Britannica.
  9. ^ About Xanthi.
  10. "Θρακικός Ηλεκτρονικός Θησαυρός - Ιστορία".
  11. ^ History of Xanthi Archived 23 December 2015 at the Wayback Machine.
  12. Νίκος Λιανός, αρχιτέκτων, Επ. Καθηγητής ΤΑΜ-∆ΠΘ. Μορφολογικά χαρακτηριστικά των κτηρίων της παλιάς πόλης της Ξάνθης. Ιστοσελίδα Δημοκρίτειου Πανεπιστήμιου Θράκης, σσ. 1. Ανακτήθηκε στις 18 July 2011.
  13. Exarchou, Thomas P. (2002). Ξάνθη 1941–1944. Xanthi: Όμηροι Βουλγαρίας.
  14. "Ξάνθη".
  15. Messinas, E. (2022). The Synagogues of Greece: A Study of Synagogues in Macedonia and Thrace: With Architectural Drawings of all Synagogues of Greece. Seattle: KDP. pp. 133-144 and 197-199. ISBN 979-8-8069-0288-8
  16. Featherstone, K.; et al. (2011). The Last Ottomans: The Muslim Minority of Greece 1940–1949. Springer. p. 190. ISBN 978-0230294653.
  17. Mangalyakova, Tanya (2011). Нашите в Гърция. Sofia. p. 20.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
  18. "От 1-ви януари ще минаваме и през ГКПП Рудозем - Ксанти". bnr.bg (in Bulgarian). Retrieved 12 December 2024.
  19. "ΦΕΚ A 87/2010, Kallikratis reform law text" (in Greek). Government Gazette.
  20. "Population & housing census 2001 (incl. area and average elevation)" (PDF) (in Greek). National Statistical Service of Greece.
  21. "Digital Library EL.STAT". Archived from the original on 18 May 2013. Retrieved 23 April 2012.
  22. "Twinnings" (PDF). Central Union of Municipalities & Communities of Greece. Retrieved 25 August 2013.
  23. Ξάνθη: Μία πόλη, χίλια χρώματα.

Further reading

External links


Administrative division of the Eastern Macedonia and Thrace Region
Area
14,157 km (5,466 sq mi)
Population
608,182 (as of 2011)
Municipalities
22 (since 2011)
Capital
Komotini
Regional unit of Drama
Regional unit of Evros
Regional unit of Kavala
Regional unit of Rhodope
Regional unit of Thasos
Regional unit of Xanthi
Regional governor
Christos Metios [el] (since November 2016, elected 2019)
Decentralized Administration
Macedonia and Thrace
Subdivisions of the municipality of Xanthi
Municipal unit of Stavroupoli
Municipal unit of Xanthi
Categories: